Finding movies to watch online can be hard. HiMovies is a website where people go to watch movies without paying money. But is it safe? Is it okay to use? There are many better options that are legal, safe, and still free or low-cost. This guide will help you understand the best HiMovies alternatives available in 2025.
Why Look for HiMovies Alternatives?
Free movie sites like HiMovies can get you in trouble. The sites might say they just share links and don’t store the movies, but in most countries, that doesn’t make it okay.
According to the U.S. Copyright Office, copyright law protects original works like movies and TV shows, giving creators exclusive rights to distribute their content. The Motion Picture Association says copyright protection is essential for supporting the livelihoods of over 2.2 million Americans who work in the film and television industry.
Sites like HiMovies also have serious safety issues:
- They often have viruses and harmful programs
- They might steal your personal information
- The video quality is usually poor
- Streams buffer and stop working frequently
- Content disappears without warning
Thankfully, there are many safe, legal alternatives that still let you watch movies and TV shows for free or at a low cost.
The Best Free Ad-Supported Streaming Services
1. Tubi TV – The King of Free Streaming
Tubi has become the gold standard for free, legal streaming in 2025, with the largest on-demand library of any free service.
Key Features:
- Over 52,000 movies and TV shows – the largest free library
- Lowest ad load in the industry (only 4-6 minutes of ads per hour)
- Available on almost all streaming devices, smart TVs, and mobile phones
- No account required (but creating one gives you watchlists and recommendations)
- High-quality streaming up to 720p HD
Content Highlights:
- Movies from major studios like Paramount, MGM, and Lionsgate
- Some former HBO shows including “Westworld” and “Raised by Wolves”
- Fox shows and movies (Tubi is owned by Fox Corporation)
- Growing library of originals and exclusive content
Pros:
- Completely free with no subscription needed
- Fewest ads among free services
- Massive library that’s updated weekly
- Excellent user interface with helpful categories
- Available on virtually all devices
Cons:
- Maximum resolution limited to 720p
- No offline viewing option
- Some popular new releases won’t be available
As of May 2025, Tubi has over 97 million monthly users and continues to grow, making it the most popular free alternative to sites like HiMovies.
2. Pluto TV – Best for Live Channel Fans
If you miss the feel of cable TV but don’t want to pay for it, Pluto TV is your best option, offering a traditional TV guide experience with hundreds of free channels.
Key Features:
- 250+ live TV channels in the US (150 in UK, 50 in Australia)
- Thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows
- Organized like traditional cable with a channel guide
- Owned by Paramount, giving access to their content library
- No account required to start watching
Content Highlights:
- 24/7 channels for specific shows like “Star Trek” and “CSI”
- News from multiple sources including CBS News, NBC News, and CNN
- Specialized channels for comedy, reality TV, sports highlights, and more
- Classic TV shows from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s
Pros:
- Cable-like experience without the cost
- Great selection of news and special interest channels
- No login or registration required
- Works on most streaming devices and smart TVs
- Strong content from Paramount’s library
Cons:
- Cannot pause or rewind most live channels
- Interface can be confusing for new users
- More ads than some other free services
- On-demand selection not as strong as Tubi’s
Pluto TV continues to be popular in 2025 as one of the best ways to watch live TV-style content without any subscription.
3. The Roku Channel – Most Comprehensive Free Service
The Roku Channel has grown from a small offering to one of the most powerful free streaming services, now watchable even without a Roku device.
Key Features:
- Over 500 free live channels
- 80,000+ free movies and TV shows on demand
- Original content exclusive to Roku
- Ranked as the #5 streaming service overall in the US as of January 2025
- Can be watched on any device, not just Roku hardware
Content Highlights:
- Roku Originals like “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” and “The Great American Baking Show”
- Live sports including MLB games on the Roku Sports Channel
- Classic TV series like “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”
- News from multiple sources including NBC News, ABC News, and Fox
Pros:
- Extensive library that rivals paid services
- Mix of live and on-demand content
- Growing collection of original programming
- Can be accessed without a Roku device
- Especially good for classic TV shows and movies
Cons:
- Interface can be cluttered and hard to navigate
- Roku’s sliding tile interface feels less intuitive than a traditional guide
- Ad breaks sometimes longer than other free services
- Makes it too easy to accidentally click on paid content
The Roku Channel had 2.1% of all US TV viewership in January 2025, making it the fifth-most-watched streaming service overall.
4. Xumo Play – Best for NBCUniversal Content
Xumo Play (formerly just Xumo) offers a clean interface and strong content library backed by NBCUniversal.
Key Features:
- 100+ live streaming channels
- Thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows
- Owned by NBCUniversal, giving access to their content
- Clean, modern interface
- No account required
Content Highlights:
- NBC shows and Universal movies
- News from NBC and other sources
- Special interest channels for food, travel, and comedy
- Sports highlights and analysis
Pros:
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
- Good quality video streaming
- Less intrusive ads than some competitors
- Strong content from NBC’s library
- Works on most major platforms
Cons:
- Smaller library than Tubi or Pluto
- Fewer original programs than other services
- Some users report buffering issues on certain devices
- Not as widely known, so updates can be less frequent
5. Plex – Best for Combining Your Own Media With Free Content
Plex offers a unique approach by combining free streaming with the ability to organize and stream your own media collection.
Key Features:
- Free movies and TV shows with ads
- Ability to organize and stream your personal media collection
- 50,000+ on-demand titles globally
- Over 1,100 live channels worldwide (893 in the US)
- Partnerships with studios like Lionsgate, AMC, and A24
Content Highlights:
- Mix of Hollywood classics and indie films
- Documentary selection is particularly strong
- News and entertainment channels
- Music streaming through TIDAL integration (requires subscription)
Pros:
- Combines free streaming with personal media library
- High-quality streaming available
- Advanced features for media enthusiasts
- Can be used as a complete home media solution
- Available on almost every platform and device
Cons:
- Can be complex to set up for new users
- Full features require setting up a Plex server
- Ad experience not as refined as some competitors
- Interface prioritizes personal media over free content
Plex is especially valuable for those who have their own digital media collection they want to organize alongside free streaming options.
6. FilmRise – Best for Classic and Genre Films
FilmRise specializes in specific categories and genres, making it a great complement to broader services.
Key Features:
- Huge collection of free movies and TV shows
- Specialized categories for different interests
- Particularly strong in classic films and TV
- Simple, straightforward interface
- No account needed
Content Highlights:
- Classic TV shows like “3rd Rock from the Sun” and “21 Jump Street”
- Horror films section is especially robust
- Strong documentary selection
- Niche content not found on larger platforms
Pros:
- Excellent for finding specific genres
- Less popular shows that other services don’t carry
- Simple navigation by category
- Good video quality for older content
- Less crowded interface than bigger services
Cons:
- Not as many new releases as larger services
- Smaller overall library than Tubi or Pluto
- Limited original content
- Not available on as many devices as larger services
7. Fawesome – Best for Niche Content Lovers
Fawesome has carved out a spot for viewers looking for a wide range of genre-specific content.
Key Features:
- Thousands of movies and TV shows
- Weekly additions to the library
- Focused on genre-specific content
- Simple, easy-to-navigate interface
- Available on multiple streaming platforms
Content Highlights:
- Strong selection of action, horror, and comedy films
- Independent and international movies
- Genre-specific collections
- Cult classics and B-movies
Pros:
- Great for finding movies in specific genres
- Less mainstream content than bigger services
- Regular updates with new content
- Fewer ads than some competitors
- Good for discovering hidden gems
Cons:
- Less well-known than major services
- Not as much premium studio content
- Variable video quality
- Limited availability on some devices
Free Streaming With Your Library Card
8. Kanopy – Best for Quality Films and Education
Kanopy offers high-quality cinema and educational content completely free through your public library card.
Key Features:
- High-quality films, documentaries, and educational content
- Zero advertisements
- Completely free with a library card
- Limited number of plays per month (usually 8-10)
- Focus on thoughtful, enriching content
Content Highlights:
- Criterion Collection films
- Independent and international cinema
- Documentaries and educational series
- Great selection of classic films
- Children’s educational programming
Pros:
- No ads whatsoever
- High-quality films you won’t find elsewhere for free
- Educational content for all ages
- Excellent streaming quality
- Thoughtfully curated selection
Cons:
- Limited number of plays per month
- Not available through all library systems
- Requires library card and verification
- Not focused on mainstream entertainment
- Smaller overall selection than commercial services
9. Hoopla – Best All-Around Library Service
Hoopla expands beyond just video to offer books, music, and more through your library card.
Key Features:
- Movies, TV shows, music, ebooks, audiobooks, and comics
- No ads or commercials
- Completely free with a library card
- Limited borrows per month (set by your library)
- Instant access with no waiting or holds
Content Highlights:
- Mix of mainstream and independent films
- TV shows from various networks
- Audiobooks from major publishers
- Music albums from various genres
- Comic books and graphic novels
Pros:
- Diverse media types beyond just video
- No advertising
- Instant access to all content
- Good mix of entertainment and educational content
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Borrow limits set by local libraries
- Not available through all library systems
- Requires library card and verification
- Movie selection not as extensive as dedicated video services
- Cannot share accounts within a household
Services with Recent Changes
10. Amazon Freevee – Now Part of Prime Video
Amazon Freevee (formerly IMDb TV) offered free content but is now being integrated into Amazon Prime Video’s “Watch for Free” section.
Access: Through Amazon Prime Video’s “Watch for Free” section
Key Features:
- Content now labeled as “Watch for Free” in Prime Video
- Original shows and movies still available
- Ad-supported viewing
- No subscription required
- Same content, different access point
Content Highlights:
- Freevee Originals like “Bosch: Legacy” and “Jury Duty”
- Movies from major studios
- TV shows including some Amazon Originals
- Reality and competition shows
Pros:
- Still completely free to watch
- High-quality original programming
- Better integration with Prime Video for those who use both
- Available on all devices that support Prime Video
- Regular content updates
Cons:
- No longer a standalone service
- Some users report it’s harder to find free content in Prime Video
- Slightly more complicated access than before
- Cannot create a separate watchlist just for free content
- May encourage upgrading to paid Prime Video
As of December 2024, Amazon began phasing out Freevee as a separate brand, but all the content remains available for free through Prime Video.
11. Crackle – Uncertain Future
Crackle has had a tumultuous history, with a recent brief revival followed by another shutdown.
Current Status: Uncertain. Briefly revived in March 2025 but went dark again in April 2025 following bankruptcy of parent company Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. The website remains online but streaming functionality may not work.
Key Features (when active):
- Movies and TV shows with advertisements
- Original programming
- No account required
- Owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (previously Sony)
- Available on multiple platforms
Content Highlights (when active):
- Sony Pictures films and shows
- Crackle Originals like “StartUp” and “The Oath”
- Classic TV series and movies
- Reality and documentary content
Pros (when active):
- Completely free with ads
- Sony movie library access
- Some unique original programming
- Good app compatibility
- No login required
Cons:
- Currently unreliable or non-functional
- Uncertain future due to bankruptcy
- Apps may no longer work on various devices
- Customer support may be unavailable
- Content could disappear permanently
Keep an eye on Crackle’s status, as the service may return under new ownership after the bankruptcy proceedings.
Paid Services with Free Options
12. Peacock – Limited Free Options for Existing Users
Peacock removed its free tier for new users in 2023, but existing users can still access it.
Key Features:
- Free tier only available to existing users who previously signed up
- Ad-supported viewing
- Limited content selection compared to paid tiers
- NBC Universal content focus
- Available on multiple platforms
Content Highlights:
- Select episodes of NBC shows
- Limited movies from Universal
- News and some sports highlights
- Select episodes of Peacock Originals
- Clips and highlights from current programming
Pros:
- Still free for those who previously had access
- NBC Universal content library
- Good streaming quality
- Regular updates with some current content
- Works on most streaming devices
Cons:
- No longer available to new users
- Limited selection compared to paid tiers
- Significant ad load
- Missing most popular and new content
- Only partial seasons of most shows
For new users, Peacock now starts at $7.99/month for Premium with ads or $13.99/month for Premium Plus with limited ads.
13. YouTube – Free Movies with Ads
While known for user-generated content, YouTube also offers a selection of free movies with advertisements.
Key Features:
- Free movies supported by advertisements
- No additional account needed beyond standard YouTube account
- Available on all YouTube-supported devices
- Mixed in with YouTube’s other content
- Rotates movies regularly
Content Highlights:
- Older Hollywood films
- Independent movies
- Some recent releases
- Classic films
- International cinema
Pros:
- Already available on devices you use for YouTube
- No additional apps or accounts needed
- High-quality streaming
- Works on virtually all devices
- Simple, familiar interface
Cons:
- Limited selection compared to dedicated services
- Can be hard to find free movies among other content
- Heavy ad load
- Selection changes frequently without notice
- Not organized as well as dedicated movie services
Look for “Free with ads” labels on movies in YouTube’s movie section.
14. Sling Free (Sling Freestream) – Free Tier from a Premium Service
Sling Free (also called Sling Freestream) offers a taste of Sling’s paid service without cost.
Key Features:
- 200+ free live channels
- Thousands of on-demand shows and movies
- No credit card or account required
- Option to upgrade to paid plans
- Available on most streaming devices
Content Highlights:
- News from various sources
- Sports highlights channels
- Reality TV and cooking shows
- Older movies and TV series
- Special interest channels
Pros:
- Good mix of live and on-demand content
- No registration required to start watching
- Easy upgrade path if you want more content
- Clean, professional interface
- Available on most major platforms
Cons:
- Interface promotes paid content
- Not as many channels as Pluto TV
- On-demand library smaller than Tubi
- Some channels are just clips rather than full programming
- Navigating between free and paid content can be confusing
15. Local News Apps – Free Local Content
Many local TV stations offer their own free apps with live news and on-demand clips.
Access: Various network apps (NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, etc.)
Key Features:
- Local news and weather
- Live streaming of newscasts
- On-demand clips and segments
- Community information
- Available on most smartphones and some streaming devices
Content Highlights:
- Local news broadcasts
- Weather forecasts and radar
- Local sports coverage
- Community events and stories
- Special reports
Pros:
- Completely free
- Focus on your local community
- Live news when it happens
- Important emergency information
- Local weather and traffic
Cons:
- Limited to news and local content
- No entertainment programming
- Variable quality depending on your local station
- Often have technical limitations
- Some have heavy ad loads
Check your local TV stations’ websites to find their free apps.
Service | Official URL | Type | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Tubi | https://tubitv.com | Free with ads | Largest free library |
Pluto TV | https://pluto.tv | Free with ads | Live TV experience |
The Roku Channel | therokuchannel.roku.com | Free with ads | Mix of live & on-demand |
Xumo Play | https://play.xumo.com | Free with ads | NBC content |
Plex | https://www.plex.tv | Free with ads | Personal media + streaming |
FilmRise | https://www.filmrise.com | Free with ads | Classic & genre films |
Fawesome | https://fawesome.tv | Free with ads | Niche genre content |
Kanopy | https://www.kanopy.com | Free with library card | Quality films & education |
Hoopla | https://www.hoopladigital.com | Free with library card | Movies, TV, books & music |
Amazon Freevee | Via Prime Video | Free with ads | Amazon originals |
Crackle | https://www.crackle.com | Free with ads (uncertain status) | Sony content (when active) |
Peacock (limited) | https://www.peacocktv.com | Free tier for existing users | NBC content |
YouTube Movies | https://www.youtube.com | Free with ads | Easy access on all devices |
Sling Free | https://www.sling.com/freestream | Free with ads | Live TV channels |
Local News Apps | Various network websites | Free with ads | Local news & weather |
Conclusion: Better Ways to Watch Than HiMovies
You don’t need to use HiMovies to enjoy movies and TV shows. These 15 alternatives offer safer, better-quality options, with many being completely free or very affordable. By using legal alternatives to HiMovies, you get a better viewing experience, avoid security risks, and help support the people who make the movies and shows you love.
The best approach is often to combine several free services. For example, you might use Tubi for its huge movie library, Pluto TV for live channels, and The Roku Channel for originals. If you have a library card, add Kanopy for quality films. This mix gives you a complete streaming setup without paying anything.
For those willing to spend a little, adding one paid service to this free lineup can create a perfect streaming package that covers all your entertainment needs without the security and legal concerns of sites like HiMovies.